Few shots in golf strike fear like the greenside bunker, but in reality, it’s one of the easiest to master—when you know what you’re doing. At Oakmont during this week's championship, even the pros were intentionally aiming for bunkers rather than risking the deep rough. Why? Because they trust their technique.
The truth is, great bunker play isn’t about talent—it’s about understanding a few key fundamentals and practicing them with purpose.
Why Bunker Shots Are Simpler Than They Look
Two main principles set the foundation for reliable bunker play:
- You Don’t Hit the Ball: The club should enter the sand behind the ball. You’re using the sand to lift and carry it out.
- Bounce is Your Best Friend: Your sand wedge is designed to glide, not dig. Learning to use its bounce makes all the difference.
The Tour-Proven Setup
Great bunker shots begin before the swing. Here’s what the pros do:
- Stance: Take a wide, stable stance similar to your driver setup. Flex the knees and let your hands sit lower.
- Upper Body: Open your chest, not your feet, to align with your intended swing path.
- Ball Position: Forward in your stance—just inside your lead heel.
- Grip Pressure: Light and relaxed. Tension kills feel and wrist hinge.
- Weight: 60–70% on your front foot. Keep it there throughout.
The Swing: Smooth and Simple
No need for overly technical thoughts. Focus on these essentials:
- Early Wrist Hinge: Helps create loft and speed in the backswing.
- Accelerate Through: Don’t decelerate at impact. A confident, committed swing is key.
Controlling Distance: The Clock System
Rather than hitting harder, vary the length of your swing:
- 9 o’clock (hip height) = Short shot
- 10 o’clock (chest height) = Mid-range
- 11 o’clock (shoulder height) = Longer carry
Always maintain acceleration—distance comes from swing size, not force.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Ball-First Contact: Causes thin shots. Focus on hitting the sand first.
- Deceleration: Results in fat or short shots. Keep swinging through.
- Too Technical: Keep it simple—set up right, swing smooth.
